GERM 208 The American Experience of Germany, 1865-1917 (Not offered 1998-99)

In the half century preceding the First World War, the United States and the German Empire stood out as the two fastest rising nations in the West. Naturally many government, military, business, and academic leaders of each country showed a lively interest in the other. In addition, many intellectually ambitious young Americans, like George Santayana and W.E.B. Dubois, travelled to Germany for extended studies at the world-class universities there. Concentrating on the experiences of Americans looking at and living in Germany, the course will examine social, cultural, and political parallels between the two nations as they evolved into world powers. We will also relate these findings to the circumstances that resulted in the United States going to war against Germany in 1917. Evaluation will be based on class participation, a midterm exam, and one 10- to 12-page research paper.

B. KIEFFER